US Navy Sailor Detained in Venezuela, Pentagon Says

Background

The Pentagon has confirmed that a US Navy sailor has been detained in Venezuela since April 2022. The sailor, Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Marc Ryan Dopher was on a flight from Aruba to Miami when his plane was diverted to Venezuela. Venezuelan authorities claim that Dopher was carrying weapons and ammunition and that he was planning to participate in a coup attempt. The US government has denied these claims and has called for Dopher's immediate release.

Current Situation

Dopher is currently being held in a military prison in Caracas, Venezuela. He has been charged with weapons possession and conspiracy to commit a coup. Dopher's family has expressed concern about his health and well-being, and they have called on the US government to do more to secure his release.

US Response

The US government has strongly condemned Venezuela's detention of Dopher. The State Department has issued a travel warning for Venezuela and has urged US citizens to avoid traveling there. The Pentagon has also increased its military presence in the Caribbean in response to Dopher's detention.

Potential Consequences

Dopher's detention has the potential to strain relations between the US and Venezuela. The two countries have a long history of mutual distrust and animosity. Dopher's detention could also embolden other countries to detain US citizens on false charges.

Conclusion

The detention of US Navy sailor PO1 Marc Ryan Dopher by Venezuelan authorities is a serious matter. The US government has condemned the detention and has called for Dopher's immediate release. The incident has the potential to strain relations between the US and Venezuela and could embolden other countries to detain US citizens on false charges.

Additional Information

• US State Department Travel Advisory for Venezuela
• Pentagon Website
• BBC News Article on Dopher's Detention